Biography
Who is Joris Mathijsen?
Early life and start
Joris Mathijsen began his football path at SV VOAB in Goirle. He first visited a training session of a friend there as a young boy. He joined the youth system at Willem II when he was nine. He moved to the first team for the 1998-99 season. His professional debut occurred on February 27, 1999, in a game against FC Utrecht. After six seasons at Willem II, manager Co Adriaanse sold him to AZ. Joris had a difficult time entering the first team at AZ. Injuries made this process harder for him.
Club career
In 2006, the Dutch team finished as runners-up in the Eredivisie. Joris Mathijsen then transferred to the German club Hamburger SV for 6 million euros. He played with fellow Dutch players Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong. On October 20, 2007, he scored against VfB Stuttgart. This goal was the 2,500th Bundesliga goal for Hamburger SV. He signed a contract extension in November 2008 that tied him to the club until 2012. In mid-June 2011, he signed a two-year contract with Málaga in the Spanish La Liga. On August 10, 2012, he signed with Feyenoord after Málaga decided to let him transfer.
International career
Joris Mathijsen made his international debut on November 17, 2004. The Netherlands won that away match against Andorra 3-0. He usually played as a left central defender because he had a strong left foot. He was called up for UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. He initially risked losing his spot to Wilfred Bouma. However, he stayed the first-choice defender after a good performance in the tournament. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Joris played more minutes than any other player in the squad. He helped the team concede the fewest goals in the qualifying group. Bert van Marwijk managed him during the 2010 World Cup. He started the first match, a 2-0 win over Denmark. He also started all other matches leading to the final.
Personal details and current role
Joris Mathijsen has a height of 183 centimeters. He is the father of one child named Jens Mathijsen. He currently serves as the director of football at Willem II. This is the club where he spent his youth and early professional years.
Birthday and age
Joris Mathijsen was born on April 5, 1980, which makes Joris 46 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Joris shares the date with 30 other famous people.
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